People looking into going into construction as a career path often wonder why they should get a CSCS Card. What benefits are there? Why do I need one? How do I get one? All of these answers and more can be found below, in our extensive guide to the CSCS card.
What is a CSCS Card?
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme, or CSCS for short, is the UK construction industry’s leading skills certification scheme.
A CSCS Card is a way to prove to employers that you are a competent person for the job they want you to do, and that you are qualified to do the job without needing to bring the relevant documents with you.
CSCS offers a range of different cards so employers can recognise which job you are qualified to do, from Supervisory to Trainee. The Green CSCS card is available to those working in labouring occupations, for example.
I’ll use this example to explain how to get a Green CSCS card.
How do I get a CSCS Card?
- You need to have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the past 2 years.
- You will need to undertake training of an equivalent standard to the Level 1 Award that CSCS will accept for the Green CSCS card.
- These are the CITB Health & Safety Awareness and the QA Health & Safety in a Construction Environment.
- You will need to take a refresher course in 5 years before renewing your Green CSCS card.
Once these conditions have been met, you can then apply by post using an application form, or over the phone after emailing evidence of your qualifications to CSCS.
Why do I need a Green Card?
CSCS cards show contractors that the card holders have received at least a minimum standard of appropriate training, although some may require a higher standard of training before allowing an employee on site for specific jobs.
- The old Construction Site Operative (CSO) card is no longer available, since many were using them to get onto construction sites to perform tasks that they were not qualified for.
- If you have one of these cards it is still valid until it’s expiry date, however you will need to apply for a Green CSCS card once it expires. This is so that an employer knows for sure that you are qualified for the job they are asking you to do.
- Many principle contractors and major house builders require workers on their sites to hold a valid CSCS card.
What are the benefits of a CSCS Green Card?
The benefits may be difficult to notice at first glance, however there are plenty.
- You don’t need to carry around any of your qualifications when looking for a job on a construction site. All you need to do is show them your Green CSCS card for them to know that you are a competent individual.
- You will be prioritised over workers that do not hold a CSCS card.
- Being a CSCS cardholder reduces the amount of identification that you need to carry around with you as the card all the relevant information to prove your identity.
- Carrying a CSCS card benefits your employer by not only proving to clients that your competency has been checked, but contractors are also assured that you are qualified. This guarantees that on-site productivity and health and safety management improves.
Since it is a mandatory requirement to take and pass the test before being issued a card, the number of fatalities on construction sites have reduced significantly since the inception of CSCS in 1995.
The UK now has the lowest injury rate in Europe as a result of labourers having adequate knowledge in carrying out a safe and healthy work environment. The public now have more confidence in the quality of health and safety measures and workmanship in the construction industry.
—
The Green CSCS card is not offered to everyone connected to the construction industry. It is only offered to those who have cleared the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test successfully, and as such it is proof that clearly indicates the ability of the worker.
There are many other advantages to owning a valid CSCS card, and to find out more you can visit the CSCS website. Here at SAMS Ltd we offer the CITB Health and Safety Awareness and QA Health & Safety in a Construction Environment on a regular basis at our training centre in Manston, Kent.
For more details or to book your place, visit our CITB Health & Safety Awareness page here, or our QA Health & Safety in a Construction Environment course page here.